Pastoral Care Ministry

Pastoral Care Ministry Teams serve our congregation in a variety of ways. These include ministry to seniors and those who are no longer able to regularly worship with us.

Susan DuMoulin, our Minister of Pastoral Care, develops this Ministry and nurtures our teams who deliver the services to our congregation.

Heart & Soul

Heart & Soul: Nourishment for the whole self

A monthly daytime programme for all ages that provides nourishment for the whole self. Bag lunch, social time, exercise, and a variety of programmes. Runs from September to June on the 4th Wednesday of the month, from 12:00 noon to 3 pm.

Bring your bag lunch for a Social Time in the Great Hall at noon, followed by Gentle Exercise at 12:45 pm and Spiritual Reflection at 1:05 pm.

Garden Party - June 25, 2008

The Programme part of the afternoon begins at 1:30 pm. The gathering concludes with tea and cookies at 2:30 pm. Come and join us for any or all parts of the afternoon.

For more information: Susan DuMoulin

Heart & Soul Schedule for 2009-2010

September 23rd, 2009
A Name for Our Lives

October 28th, 2009
Fall Outing to Steveston: Guided Tour of Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site

November 25th, 2009
A Look at L’Arche: Community with people with developmental disabilities, founded by Jean Vanier

December 16th, 2009
Christmas Music

January 27th, 2010
“Fun and Fantasy” with Puppets

February 24th, 2010
Loving the Earth: EcoJustice

March 24th, 2010
Tempting Tintinnabulation: an afternoon of bell-ringing

April 28th, 2010
Reflections on the Yukon: Stories of the Klondike

May 26th, 2010
Spring Outing to Stanley Park

June 23rd, 2010
Garden Party at CMUC – bring lunch

Visiting and Teleministry

Pastoral care visitors meet with senior members of the congregation, especially those who are no longer able to regularly attend worship services, in their home, residence or hospital on a regular basis to bring the spirit and love of Christ to them while teleministers have telephone visits with those who benefit from this contact to help them feel included in the life of the congregation.

Susan DuMoulin co-ordinates this team.

Prayer

Card Making and Writing

We create, write and send cards on behalf of the congregation to members and/or their families when they are ill, bereaved or going through major transitions. Cards are also sent at times of celebration which the congregation wishes to acknowledge. Cards are made using members' artwork or photography. Ginny Bryson co-ordinates the card making and Gloria Breault co-ordinates the card writing

Ginny Bryson, Barb Quinn, Gloria Breault, Colleen Cruikshank.

Flowers donated to the Sunday worship service are afterwards delivered to identified members, along with a visit. The donors of the flowers are advised as to the distribution of their arrangement. Anita Kilberg and Susan DuMoulin currently co-ordinate this ministry.

Healing Ministry

Reiki and Healing Touch are ancient healing arts that utilize Universal Life Force Energy to promote relaxation, physical and emotional healing, pain relief and spiritual growth.

Team members are available many Sundays after the service in the Centre for Peace (room 201) or the Great Hall. 

For sessions at other times contact Coordinator, Louise DeLancey

Healing Ministry Team (left to right) - Louise DeLancey, Daphne Fields, Susan DuMoulin, Carol Zhong, Peggy Muncaster (missing Ginny Bryson, Teresa de la Boursodiere).

Daytime Bible Study

Seniors are vital participants in our weekly daytime bible study which meets on Tuesdays, in the Centre for Peace, 1:30–2:30 pm. The scripture readings for the upcoming Sunday are the basis of stimulating discussion, as Bruce Sanguin, Susan DuMoulin, and those who attend share their insights and perspectives. This is a drop-in group and no prior study is required, so feel free to come whenever you feel inspired. All are welcome.

Knitting Ministry

The Knitting Ministry was begun in April 2006 as a tangible way to give comfort to members of our congregation, relatives, and friends who are ill, and to recognize important celebrations in peoples lives. In the first year, almost 50 shawls and lap robes were knitted, crocheted, and blessed before being given away. As with other groups within the church, new friendships have developed.

This team meets once a month for an hour or so after church and is always open to new members. Team members experience the joy of giving when they see the recipients' eyes light up with pleasure in their handmade gifts. Katherine Mansfield co-ordinates this ministry.

Pastoral Care for those who live with animals

Kathy Gibson offers this ministry to those who share their lives with pets that may be sick or injured, elderly, dying or have died. Kathy, who lives with companion animals herself, is available to provide compassionate and understanding support for others who also live with animals as companions. She will provide a listening ear and prayers to comfort and support you in your concern and grief.

Stories (Seniors Telling our Rare Interesting Experiences Sacredly)

This ministry was formed to help enable seniors to either have their stories heard and recorded one-to-one by a Memoir Minister or write their own stories in a facilitated group setting. Marion Allaart co-ordinates this ministry.

Transportation

Members with cars and time are called upon to enable seniors to attend services, events and activities. Susan DuMoulin co-ordinates this team.

The Over Ninety Club

Unfortunately this "exclusive" club is only open to Nonogenarians. (Octogenarians will have to wait their turn, so hang in there.) The privileges of being a member are having your photograph on a special bulletin board, receiving an annual birthday card from the congregation for the rest of your life, and being held in prayer by the prayer team. We have around twenty nonogenarians currently. Several are actively involved in the life of our faith community.

Special Events

• On Remembrance Day or during Advent special visits are made to deliver plants to the members of our congregation who are unable to attend worship services.
  
  
  
  
• Blue Christmas Service is offered every December. As we approach Christmas, watch for our date to be announced. This is a service for those for whom "Christmas hurts."
  
  
  
  
• In-home Communion - In the Easter Season Reverend Bruce Sanguin and Susan DuMoulin along with others share communion with home or hospital bound members. To receive this ministry contact Susan DuMoulin.